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9/24/2014

Alternative Rock Review: Sarah Schulte-Getting Away

Young and pretty Sarah Schulte looks like the typical pop diva right? While that may hold a certain amount of truth, so does the saying “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Never is that more appropriate for this performer.

Schulte’s seven track recording is a portrait of one powerful singer. She goes from dark to light then light to dark, covering the spectrum of emotions throughout this musical statement titled Getting Away.

As the opening track starts with the ticking of the clock you anticipate a powerful message delivered and it is with “Seconds,” one energetic and snappy opening track. The all-important kick off track does its job and sets the tone going forward.

“Getting Away” starts off a little more timidly but do not be fooled…it’s another knockout punch regardless of the shifting pace and tempo. If words could kill this track would be a deadly weapon. The guitar is great on this track, it rocks and when the lead takes over that one passage puts a final killer stamp on it and pushes it over the top. Again, message delivered in your face whether you like it or not.

“Crying Shame” is more pop oriented and smooth but yet another powerful set of lyrics. These are words that need to be heard for whomever it may fit at the moment. There is always someone in need with the inability to express things in words but can only communicate it with an action or reaction. In this case the words are the “action.”

“Crimson Lullaby” is probably the most provocative track lyrically and musically it supports the hard words with flourishes of high energy and succinct power. It starts off with a nice piano intro, then builds, and builds to a sweeping crescendo of vocals and a wall of sound that makes the words hit home with feeling. After you look at the CD inside cover where the lyrics are you see the track is in memory of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.

“Nigthmare” is self-explanatory with appropriate lyrics and some fast paced music with some keyboards to give it an electronic dance feel to it. It makes you feel like you are the character portrayed in the story running for your life.

The only track the feels out of place on the entire album is “Spooky Funky Nasty.” I give Schulte credit for trying something different however it was not a good choice to close out an otherwise consistently strong effort.

I really focused in on all the lyrics and the music was the added bonus. I have to say that Schulte has a great voice and is a very talented young lady. She is from Southern California, the perfect place to grow up in an environment that encourages people to reach for the stars then become one. She is on the right course to success.